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Johnston County man almost cried after $250,000 win

July 21, 2026 Posted by NC Lottery at 3:26 PM
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Kevin Pavel of Clayton was on his way to work when he bought a $50 500X The Cash scratch-off and won a $250,000 prize.

“It was amazing,” Pavel recalled. “I was about to cry.”

He purchased his lucky 500X The Cash ticket on Monday from Bull Market  on Airport Boulevard, in Morrisville.

“It was a good hit,” Pavel said.

When Pavel told his wife, she couldn’t believe it was true.

“She didn’t believe me,” he shared. “I had to show her a picture of the ticket.”

Pavel arrived at lottery headquarters on Monday to claim his prize and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $180,039.

He plans to use his winnings to pay bills and save for retirement.

The 500X The Cash game debuted in January with five top prizes of $10 million and 10 prizes of $250,000. Five $10 million prizes and seven $250,000 prizes remain to be claimed.


9 COMMENTS

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7/25/2026 06:16 - Nikki M.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!!

7/24/2026 10:37 - komal v.

Congratulations!!

7/23/2026 11:29 - Kimberly D.

Yesterday Pick 3 evening 2 repeats both draws and both draws Pick 4 tonight were repeats as well LOL! But, want the players to believe, the system not flawed.

7/23/2026 03:25 - Michael K.

Where was the Cash 5 won from last night's drawing? Was it Online or at a store?NC Lottery
Hi, Michael! Last night's Cash 5 win was through Online Play from a player in Green Level.

7/22/2026 11:38 - shirley b.

NCEL what is the point of having a promotion if the lottery allows mostly repeats to hit. You need to have your auditors check the lottery system because something is not adding up. Lottery players are not unaware they are just in a position that will change soon.

7/22/2026 06:41 - Brenda P.

Congratulations on your winnings. After the State and Federal withholding there is also claiming the winnings as an income on your income tax the year you won it. Hoping there is enough deductions to offset the amount possibly has to be paid when filing income taxes to be paid to the state and federal government.

7/21/2026 09:06 - joseph P.

Congratulations

7/21/2026 07:05 - Jeff S.

Very glad you are a winner!!! Spent 20 more on digital games. No winner again. No luck with digital. Losing to much on digital games.NC Lottery
With games of chance, there is never a guarantee of winning. So, it's important to play for fun knowing it takes luck to win a prize. We hope you'll only continue to play if you're enjoying yourself, otherwise we recommend taking a break.

7/21/2026 10:39 - komal v.

Congratulations!!

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